By Malcolm Hlongwane |
The African National Congress Women’s League in Ward 26’s Boni Nene Branch used its Mother’s Day Celebration Luncheon Programme not only to honour elderly women, but also to shine a spotlight on the growing social and economic pressures facing pensioners in many South African households.
Held in South Beach under the eThekwini Region on 8 May, the gathering brought together senior citizens, health practitioners and ANCWL leaders to celebrate the contribution of mothers and grandmothers who continue to hold families together during difficult times.
Branch secretary Thandi Makhubu told attendees that many elderly women have become the backbone of struggling households due to unemployment, poverty and rising teenage pregnancy rates. She said pensioners are increasingly forced to raise grandchildren and stretch limited social grants to support entire families.
The programme offered meals, entertainment and basic health screening services, with support from leadership linked to Umhlanga Private Hospital. Community organisers said the initiative aimed to restore dignity to elderly women often overlooked despite carrying heavy caregiving responsibilities.
Among those attending were regional deployee Dolly Malinga, regional deputy chairperson Gugu Sibiya and ANC branch coordinator Siboniso Mvelase alongside zonal leadership structures.
Speakers at the event called for stronger community and government support systems to ease the burden placed on elderly caregivers.
Email: Malcolm@onenews.co.za
